Obesity in America

[DriXnaK]

If it was about wealth then why are poor people more likely to be obese? Also, who instills that sedentary lifestyle? Also, 2000 calories a day is actually more than the average American needs by quite a bit.

[MikeH]

Yes, but they also eat closer to 4k.

And poor Americans are still rich in world terms.

[BeBMan]

If it was about wealth then why are poor people more likely to be obese?

Dunno, maybe they eat more low quality food. Or maybe when you're poor one of the rare joys is eating.

[DriXnaK]

It all comes down to personal responsibility and poor education. All of which are instilled in our public school system. Until they fix the school system and the culture in this country where no one fails then this will continue. Fat for some reason has become acceptable.

[C0ckney]

because of cheap fast food, ready meals and the like. the fact that it costs more to eat a healthy diet in western countries is a scandal.

and as for your education ideas

[MikeH]

Schools do better when the family is more stable and supporting. Fixing the school system is impossible until you fix the massive social problems in the US and address the huge poverty gap.

You need socialism, or you're ****ed.

[Arrian]

Also, who instills that sedentary lifestyle?

Not the government.

If it was about wealth then why are poor people more likely to be obese?

I didn't mean it was a linear progression of more wealth = more fat. The poor seem to eat the crappiest food available. I don't even think it's b/c that food is cheaper (as Mike notes, it's not actually). I'm not exactly sure why, but my guesses would be knowledge (lack thereof re: basic nutrition) and the crap food is easier (to prep).

-Arrian

[MikeH]

because of cheap fast food, ready meals and the like. the fact that it costs more to eat a healthy diet in western countries is a scandal.

and as for your education ideas

This is a myth. It's only more expensive if you can't cook. Our grandparents had tons less money and choice of food but ate healthily incredibly cheaply.

[DriXnaK]

I think in the end it all comes down to weakness. Americans as a whole have become incredibly weak, and the government is a huge factor in this. They are the ones who created this culture of no fail and mediocrity. I think the only way to fix this country is to significantly ramp up what is demanded of people in the public school system and do away with all the bull****. Right now, the public school system is a daycare, and it's a mirror image of the way our nanny state government is being run.

[Arrian]

This is a myth. It's only more expensive if you can't cook. Our grandparents had tons less money and choice of food but ate healthily incredibly cheaply.

Yeah, it really comes down to knowing how to cook. From what I gather (not that this issue occupies me much), the poorest/fattest have no idea how to cook healthy food using fresh or otherwise healthy ingredients.

Drix, if you are arguing that public schools should teach classes on basic nutrition and cooking I'm not sure I disagree with you...

edit: clearly not. I don't think public schools are "daycare" because of the eeeeevil gummint. They're "daycare" because the homelife of so many of the kids is all ****ed up.

-Arrian

[MikeH]

[Elok]

Dunno, maybe they eat more low quality food. Or maybe when you're poor one of the rare joys is eating.

Mostly the first bit, I think. Fast food is cheap and readily available, as are a variety of simple calorie-wads: chips, crackers and sundry other greasy starches, jello, cookies, wonderbread, soda. You want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, or meat that doesn't come fried on a bun, you're going to pay more.

[C0ckney]

This is a myth. It's only more expensive if you can't cook. Our grandparents had tons less money and choice of food but ate healthily incredibly cheaply.

well when i lived in wales i used to eat a very healthy diet and feed myself very cheaply, but i do remember seeing some research that suggested it cost more to eat a healthy balanced diet. i'll see if i can find it.

[DriXnaK]

because of cheap fast food, ready meals and the like. the fact that it costs more to eat a healthy diet in western countries is a scandal.

Wow, you're pretty dumb aren't you? I guarantee that I can eat cheaper than any of you. It's called plain oats, bananas, whey protein, chicken (bought at sam's club), and frozen vegetables. Throw in some oils for your fat source and you have everything you could ever need. Raisins are a nice one too. They can be bought for about 6$ for 4 pounds or something like that. What it really is is people think they need food to taste great instead of just using food as a tool to accomplish goals.

Schools do better when the family is more stable and supporting. Fixing the school system is impossible until you fix the massive social problems in the US and address the huge poverty gap.

What does socialism have to do with fixing family issues? That's the dumbest ****ing idea I've ever heard in my life.

[Elok]

This is a myth. It's only more expensive if you can't cook. Our grandparents had tons less money and choice of food but ate healthily incredibly cheaply.

Did they have the McDonald's Dollar Menu? I assume you have that over in the UK...